WASHINGTON, Nov 5, 2014 - The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Republic of Korea for Patriot Advanced Capability (PAC-3) missiles and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $1.405 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by meeting the legitimate security and defense needs of an ally and partner nation. The ROK is one of the major political and economic powers in East Asia and the Western Pacific and a key partner of the United States in ensuring peace and stability in that region. It is vital to U.S. national interests to assist our Korean ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability.

The ROK requires the PAC-3 missiles to effectively conduct and sustain BMD operations, as well as serve as a core component to the ROK’s future Korea Air Missile Defense (KAMD). This sale will increase interoperability between the ROK’s ground and sea-based (Aegis) BMD forces and U.S. Forces Korea (USFK), which not only affects ROK national security but also the security of the U.S. personnel assigned in the ROK. This sale will provide the ROK with the capability to defeat lower tier Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) threats, and will decrease the ROK’s reliance on the deployment of U.S. combat forces to maintain stability in the region.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractors will be Raytheon Corporation in Andover, Massachusetts; and Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control in Dallas, Texas. There are no known offset requirements in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor personnel to Korea. However, U.S. Government or contractor personnel will be required, on a temporary basis, to conduct in-country visits in conjunction with program technical and management oversight and support requirements.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.

All questions regarding this proposed Foreign Military Sale should be directed to the State Department's Bureau of Political Military Affairs, Office of Congressional and Public Affairs, pm-cpa@state.gov.